Fellow Afr-Ams...How do you feel about Tavis Smiley's New Book Covenant with Black America?

safetyblitz · (#1 (**permalink**))

Tavis Smiley rounded up our best and brightest to discuss what we need to do to better the lives of the average African American.

I thought that what ever came out of these talks would be a grassroots campaign that they would launch from the neighborhood. You know something that we could all get a hold of and begin to better ourselves.

Instead we get a book that really to me that seems to be mostly motivated to make money. I could be wrong. Not the first time or not the last, but after watching all of that didn't you think that they were going to make a move to actually do something this time instead of profit off of it?

The Mighty Mos Def · (#2 (**permalink**))

safetyblitz wrote:

Quote:

Tavis Smiley rounded up our best and brightest to discuss what we need to do to better the lives of the average African American.

I thought that what ever came out of these talks would be a grassroots campaign that they would launch from the neighborhood. You know something that we could all get a hold of and begin to better ourselves.

Instead we get a book that really to me that seems to be mostly motivated to make money. I could be wrong. Not the first time or not the last, but after watching all of that didn't you think that they were going to make a move to actually do something this time instead of profit off of it?[line]I would have to agree. Lets be real here, the people that need the messages of that book the most have neither the resources nor the want to get that book; was that lost on them? It would have been much more impactful if the brain trust from the symposium came together and started an organization to attempt to positively impact the people in our community. These sorts of things have been going on for a minute, and while I enjoy the dialogue and exchange of idea, much of the message is left on the stage, not carried out in reality(save a few). No real bonds seem to be formed amongst the speakers; they go back to doing their own thing.

Before they attempt to make a covenant with us, maybe they should make one amongst themselves, to unify beyond the on-stage hugs and handshakes.